Meet The Biggest Trade Sleeper For Chicago Bears’ #1 Pick
The Chicago Bears are open for business. That is the widespread belief among insiders and experts. With no need to draft a quarterback, the team is free to shop the #1 overall pick to the highest bidder. There is no shortage of QB-needy teams in striking distance. Houston is right behind them at #2. Indianapolis is at #4, Las Vegas at #7, Atlanta at #8, and Carolina at #9. Most agree those will be the primary players in the sweepstakes unless one of them nabs a veteran via trade or free agency.
However, it’s never wise to count out the sleepers in these situations. There could be a team out there that is willing to sell the farm for one of these quarterbacks, even if they’re stuck outside the top 10. It is hardly unprecedented. The Rams jumped from 15th to #1 in 2016 for Jared Goff. Philadelphia worked their way up from 13th to #2 in 2016. Last year San Francisco went from 12th to #3. It is possible, and there is one team that fits the description of those previous teams.
That is the Tennessee Titans.
The Chicago Bears will likely hear from Tennessee.
Their situation is undeniable. Ryan Tannehill gave them a good run, but it’s apparent the veteran isn’t capable of getting them where they want to go. He fell short in the NFC championship in 2019 and squandered the Titans’ #1 seed last year. Tennessee drafted Malik Willis in hopes he might become the heir apparent. That doesn’t seem to be working out, which is partly why GM Jon Robinson got fired. Now they’re stuck in a division with a rising Trevor Lawrence and a conference with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow.
It is an arms race. If the Titans don’t get serious about it, their championship window will close. Also, don’t forget the fact that head coach Mike Vrabel appears to have say over the roster decisions now. Head coaches tend to be more aggressive when they control the roster. If Tennessee takes a liking to one of these quarterbacks over the next two months, they may try putting together a package that Poles and the Chicago Bears can’t refuse. Either multiple future 1st round picks or something built around star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons are two such examples. Keep it in mind.